Free Teeth Whitening Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why do whitening strips lack brushing gels' effectiveness?
- Strips don't whiten in the grooves of your teeth (Correct answer)
- Gels are less expensive
- Gels use a more powerful bleach
- None of the above
Correct answer: Strips don't whiten in the grooves of your teeth
Whitening strips are flat and adhere to the surface of the teeth, making it difficult for the whitening agent to fully penetrate the natural grooves and uneven surfaces of teeth. Brushing gels, especially those applied with trays, can often provide more comprehensive coverage, reaching these areas more effectively.
Question 2: True or False: You shouldn't whiten your teeth while pregnant.
- False
- True (Correct answer)
Correct answer: True
It is generally advised to avoid teeth whitening procedures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While there's limited research on the specific effects of whitening agents on a developing fetus or infant, dental professionals recommend erring on the side of caution to minimize any potential risks.
Question 3: What kind of whitening agent is most frequently used in DIY kits?
- Salicylic acid
- Peroxide (Correct answer)
- Chloroxine
- None of the above
Correct answer: Peroxide
The most common active ingredients in DIY teeth whitening kits, including strips and gels, are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals work by breaking down stains on the tooth enamel, making the teeth appear lighter.
Question 4: Why is using whitening solutions on crowns and tooth-colored fillings not a good idea?
- Fillings and crowns are matched to the color of your teeth, and they can't be whitened (Correct answer)
- The chemicals used dissolve crowns and fillings
- It could weaken the crowned teeth
- None of the above
Correct answer: Fillings and crowns are matched to the color of your teeth, and they can't be whitened
Dental restorations like crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings are made from materials such as porcelain or composite resin, which do not respond to whitening agents. If you whiten your natural teeth, these restorations will remain their original shade, creating a noticeable color mismatch.
Question 5: What types of stains whitening works best on?
- Yellow discoloration (Correct answer)
- Brown stains
- Cigarette stains
- None of the above
Correct answer: Yellow discoloration
Teeth whitening treatments are generally most effective on yellow or yellowish-brown stains, which are typically extrinsic (surface) stains or mild intrinsic stains. Darker, gray, or blue-toned stains, often caused by medication or trauma, are much more resistant to whitening.
Question 6: How long do gel and strip whitening effects last?
- A few weeks
- A few months (Correct answer)
- About a year
- None of the above
Correct answer: A few months
The whitening effects from over-the-counter gels and strips typically last for a few months, depending on individual habits like diet and oral hygiene. To maintain results, periodic touch-ups or professional treatments may be necessary.
Question 7: What might whitening your teeth have as a side effect?
- Loosens teeth
- Tooth sensitivity (Correct answer)
- Darkening of teeth
- None of the above
Correct answer: Tooth sensitivity
The most common side effect of teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity, where teeth become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This occurs because the whitening agents can temporarily open the pores in the enamel, exposing the underlying dentin.
Free Teeth Whitening Question and Answers
Why do whitening strips lack brushing gels' effectiveness?